Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne Market Closed Third Day amid Traders’ Tax Protest

MOGADISHU — The main market in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district remained closed for a third straight day Monday as traders protested what they say are excessive and unlawful tax demands imposed by Somalia’s Federal Government. Shopkeepers told local media the Ministry of Finance’s revenue department recently introduced additional fees that far exceed the legally mandated taxes they already pay each year. Several business owners said the new charges run into the hundreds of dollars — sums they say they cannot afford in the…

Somalia boosts health surveillance after Marburg virus cases in Ethiopia

Monday December 1, 2025 Mogadishu — Somalia’s Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the spread of the Marburg virus after Ethiopia confirmed cases in the Jinka area, the ministry said Sunday, as authorities activated urgent preparedness measures despite no recorded infections inside Somalia. Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Mohamed Hassan Mohamed said the country’s National Institute of Health has moved to a heightened state of readiness and is coordinating with international partners to guard against cross-border…

U.S. Ambassador Holds Talks with Somalia’s Jubaland Leader Ahmed Madobe in Kismayo

KISMAAYO, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, hosted U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley in Kismayo on Friday for talks centered on security coordination and U.S.-supported development projects, according to regional officials. The working visit brought together senior members of the Jubaland administration, including the Interior Minister and the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation. Participants discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and align…

Somalia’s South West minister demands federal MP’s handover for clan violence trial

BAIDOA, Somalia — South West State’s minister of security on Sunday urged the federal government to hand over federal legislator Dahir Amiin Jeesow to the regional administration to face trial over allegations he helped instigate deadly clan clashes in Lower Shabelle. Speaking to reporters in Baidoa, Security Minister Hassan Abdukadir accused the member of parliament of acting as a spoiler in Walanweyn district and across parts of the Lower Shabelle region, where a recent surge of inter-clan violence has strained local…

Trump’s comments targeting Somali Americans trigger outrage across Minnesota

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump used his Thanksgiving message to attack Somali-Americans and propose sweeping new immigration restrictions, singling out Minnesota and offering no evidence for claims that refugees are driving crime and economic turmoil. In remarks posted online, Trump asserted that “hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota,” and described “Somalian gangs” roaming the streets. He did not provide data to support the statements. He also…

Somali President Meets Religious Scholars, Hails Their Governance Guidance and Anti-Extremism Efforts

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday hosted a dinner in Mogadishu honoring religious scholars who attended the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference, underscoring a deepening partnership between the government and faith leaders to counter extremist ideologies, bolster public awareness and strengthen national unity. In remarks at the event, Mohamud praised the scholars’ longstanding role in Somali society and governance, saying their guidance, advice and moral leadership remain essential as the country…

Jubaland denounces Somali federal government’s airlift of troops to Garbaharey

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland’s regional administration on Saturday condemned the federal government for airlifting National Intelligence and Security Agency troops to Garbaharey, a move it labeled provocative amid ongoing counterterrorism operations and delicate political talks with Mogadishu. Multiple reports said the federal forces were flown into the southern town on Friday. Footage circulating on local channels showed armed personnel disembarking at the Garbaharey airstrip. Mogadishu has not issued an official…

Somalia’s National ID Conference Signals Next Stage of Digital Transformation

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s push toward a unified, secure and inclusive digital identity gathered fresh momentum as government leaders, development partners and technology stakeholders mapped the next phase of the national ID rollout at the 2nd Somali National ID Conference, held Nov. 24-25 in the capital. Convened by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, the conference underscored how the country’s digital ID program has…

Inside the U.S. Military’s Growing Covert Campaign Against ISIS in Somalia

BOSASO, Somalia — The U.S. Africa Command has sharply escalated airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia in the country’s northeast this year, conducting 59 strikes on Islamic State-aligned targets in Puntland State’s Bari region as part of a broader campaign that has reached 101 airstrikes across Somalia in 2025, compared with just 10 in all of 2024, according to statements shared with Fox News Digital. 101 U.S. airstrikes in Somalia so far this year, targeting ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabab 59 strikes specifically against…

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